Lan Kwai Fong Facility Recognized for Impeccable Standards Amid High Usage
Hong Kong’s tireless pursuit of superior public convenience standards culminated in a surprising win for a facility in the bustling nightlife district of Lan Kwai Fong, which was named the city’s best public toilet by the Hong Kong Toilet Association (HKTA) on November 19, 2025, coordinating with World Toilet Day. Despite enduring heavy late-night traffic from revelers, the unassuming convenience, situated discreetly near a garden alleyway, received top honors for its exceptional cleanliness and technological implementation. This recognition underscores a broader municipal commitment to modernizing and maintaining hundreds of public facilities citywide.
A Commitment to Continuous Cleaning
The HKTA inspectors lauded the Lan Kwai Fong site for its pristine, odor-free environment. According to HKTA President Henry Hung, the winning factor was the dedicated, round-the-clock service provided by on-site attendants during weekends and public holidays, noting staff were continuously cleaning and proactively addressing any residual mess. Beyond diligent human oversight, the facility boasts modern features including air conditioning, automatic sensor taps, touchless flush mechanisms, and advanced soap dispensers, enhancing the user experience significantly.
The competition saw strong contenders, with the Kam Tin Shi Public Toilet in Yuen Long securing second place, and the Catchick Street Garden Public Toilet in Kennedy Town taking third. The Catchick Street facility’s remarkable ascent is particularly noteworthy, given it was previously ranked among the city’s most substandard two years prior, showcasing the impact of focused refurbishment efforts.
Addressing the Lower End of the Spectrum
Conversely, the Kowloon City Road Public Toilet in To Kwa Wan was judged the city’s worst, cited by the HKTA for persistent foul odors, perpetually wet floors, and generally unsanitary conditions. The association utilized the rankings announcement to urge government authorities to expedite the upgrade of older infrastructure and strengthen hygiene management protocols across the public network.
Responding to both the accolades and critiques, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) affirmed that the Lan Kwai Fong award validates their ongoing strategy to modernize public toilets through technology. The FEHD is implementing a sophisticated sensor system in 15 facilities to monitor factors like usage frequency and environmental conditions in real-time. These sensors automatically dispatch SMS alerts to cleaning teams when ambient odor thresholds are exceeded.
Technological Solutions and Systemic Upgrades
To combat odors at the source, the department is deploying advanced air purification systems designed to break down pollutants, alongside ozone generators in select locations to inhibit biofilm formation and neutralize waste-related smells.
The commitment extends to wide-ranging infrastructure improvements. The FEHD is currently managing a massive refurbishment program covering more than 800 public toilets. Approximately 480 facilities have been marked for comprehensive refurbishment or facelifts. Of these, about 190 have been completed, including a recent facelift at the Sai Ying Pun Market ground-floor toilet. The remaining 200 plus upgrades are scheduled to begin by the end of 2028. Additionally, the department is implementing a structural improvement by separating toilet cleaning services into dedicated contracts, distinct from general street cleansing, aiming to improve accountability and service quality consistently. The strategic blend of technology, continuous human service, and major refurbishment campaigns positions Hong Kong to significantly improve a vital, often overlooked, aspect of public life.